Belfast has turned truly 'mutt-ropolitan' with new research suggesting one in five work places allow pets in the office.

The pawesome news, just in time for National Pet Month , indicates that melan-collie workers could have their spirits lifted by a furry colleague or two.

But the survey by online job board CV-Library also found there was a clear 'gender pet gap' with one in 10 men admitting they had complained about having to pet-work with the hairier companions.

Almost half of women, however, said having doggies, moggies or bunnies at work kept ruff days at bay as they helped to ease stress and make them more relaxed.

A fifth of women believed having a dog at their desk made them more approachable and friendly, compared to 14% of men. And almost a half of all men surveyed said dogpanions distracted them in the office.

'Petworking' is said to ease stress keeping those ruff days at bay (Image: Getty)

But just as men and women can never quite see eye-to-eye on these things, the same can be said of dogs and cats.

In the eternal battle between our four-legged friends, canines rule the workplace - making up 87% of all 'professional' pets. While in a clawful outcome for felines only 5% admitting to having the more independently minded furball in the office.

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Across the rest of the UK, London came in top for pet friendly spot with 27% of workers admitting to having them at work.

The South East (24%) was second, with Northern Ireland and Wales in joint third (22%) for animal loving workers. The East Midlands and the North East are the keenest to keep pets at home, with 91% and 87% of workplaces saying no.

Clawful news for felines who are less popular under the desk (Image: Getty)

In general, nearly half would like to see more workplaces allowing pets, but 20% suggest that strict policies from HR should be in place.

With bringing animals into the office becoming a growing trend, employers should sit up and take notice as nearly a third of people (28%) suggested they’d be more likely to apply for a job if they have, or were allowed to bring, furry friends into their working environment.